Trip Report Two broke guys & a dog (for the last time.) (now with Christmas 2024!)

No, I’m not mad at Disney. We’ll be back (in fact, it can’t be soon enough.) But this turned out to be our last trip together as a family.

Who: Brian (R) Tony (L) and Kylie.

When: May, 2023.

Can’t tease this, so I’ll just come out with it.

We’ve posted TRs over the years under the “Two broke guys & a dog” banner (and other titles.) Our May trip was short, and we had already booked August for my birthday (complete with a planned meet up with @Tuvalu) so I thought I’d make one double TR after August.

I ended up with Covid mid-month and we had to postpone to December for Brian’s birthday.

In the meantime, Kylie, our 14 year old German Shepherd/Chow Chow was diagnosed with heart failure. That “heads up” turned out to be a gift and a blessing that allowed us to spend so much extra quality time with her.

Kylie’s 14th bday on Halloween:

She stayed with us through the holidays, rubbing on the Christmas tree when she walked past it, per usual (like a cat lol) and was really doing well - eating, going for walks, snuggling. I expected more of a slow, gradual decline…but she passed yesterday. Now my heart is failing.

I don’t know how far I’ll get with this today. It might actually be too soon. But I thought it could be therapeutic, and a nice tribute.

For some reason, since my 30s, if I cry even a little, my eyelids swell up and it’s hard to undo. Ice helps only temporarily. I fear typing all this out will continue the waterworks (it already has) and prolong that condition. OTOH, they’re already swollen, so WTH? I’ll play it by ear, if that’s ok.

This is my love letter to my pup.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Wow on the surgeries! Puts in perspective my 3 broken toes in June and the subsequent tendinitis in my knee.

I thought of you, Brian and Kylie quite a bit at DLP this weekend because I kept seeing Chip and Dale and Pluto on either merchandise, on park decorations or in the parks. You are a wise man to change up Christmas so that the memories are less bittersweet

The Funko Pops of Chip & Dale are in a bag in my dresser as of a few hours ago. Pluto is in the car. Picked them all up today, something new for the trip. Thank you for your thoughts!

 

[Tony the Tigger]

A few viable (I think) ideas:

That one ^ for the 16th after the work folks go home. (Again, tying the trips together as one holiday trip with a few days at home in between.)

That one ^ for the Christmas trip. This looks fun! Calling tomorrow.

Some other things listed were unavailable: sleigh ride at the campgrounds, horse-drawn carriage at Port Orleans (I’ll keep checking that one) plus the thing where you drink at all the monorail resorts & watch the fireworks - I think the listing for that one may just be a relic.

Other things sounded nice but pretty expensive: sommelier class at Wine Bar George $300. Cirque du Soleil $330++ for not even great seats.

 

[Tiggertoo56]

Sounds like you have a really good plan. Enjoy the stay, meals and whatever else you manage to do. Looking forward to reading all about it too

 

[RememberWhen]

We have had mixed experiences at Topolinos, but are doing it again! Generally they have been happy to bring me/the kids a side of scrambled eggs or fruit, or a waffle. Our service the last time or two was less than stellar, but everyone has bad days. I’ve never asked for a second meal. But we’ve had some lovely character interactions there! And the view is lovely. Also, we always go around noon. Makes for a nice break after rope dropping MGM.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

We have had mixed experiences at Topolinos, but are doing it again! Generally they have been happy to bring me/the kids a side of scrambled eggs or fruit, or a waffle. Our service the last time or two was less than stellar, but everyone has bad days. I’ve never asked for a second meal. But we’ve had some lovely character interactions there! And the view is lovely. Also, we always go around noon. Makes for a nice break after rope dropping MGM.

We’ve had mixed experiences for dinner, as documented in these TR’s. First dinner was quite impressive, and that colors our perspective going forward. Had certain other visits have been our first, we may have thought, “Meh.”

Sometimes it just depends on what you order, who’s cooking that day, and who is your server!

We are looking forward to a new experience either way, and hanging outside for a bit.

 

[pkkurz]

I’ve seen conflicting reports over whether you can still get extras/seconds/whatever. Any recent-ish insight?

We were there last in April. We didn’t order any extra entrees. My daughter asked for extra egg white scrambled eggs and my grandson asked for fruit that was not a part of his meal. Our server cheerfully brought both. Our server was outstanding, so maybe it just all depends on who you get.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

I guess someone will get a kick out of this.

OK, we’re going to be at a WDW resort for Christmas, right?

Last time we were at a WDW resort even near Christmas was at Saratoga Springs years ago. There’s a trip report somewhere. We often go around 12/3 for Brian’s birthday, but I don’t like to mix B’s bday with Christmas, so I think it was later. I brought our “Charlie Brown Christmas tree” from home with a few ornaments and some other decorations.

This time, I thought I’d keep an eye out for a nicer little mini Christmas tree to bring to the room with some of our Kylie related ornaments and Disney ones. You know, maybe 2 feet, $10-$25 max.

I went to Target last night to grab some shredded chicken and a bag of raw cashews (they have the best deal on the cashews, way cheaper than Publix.) I popped over to the Christmas section, and there were a few small trees, but really kind of sad looking. I didn’t think they would even hold ornaments. I tried manipulating the wire branches to see if I could make them look better. I couldn’t.

They had nicer little ones, but they were $30-$40.

Then I saw a sign that trees were 50% off. The aisle was empty but for the display pieces zip-tied to the top shelves. Went around the corner and saw the big trees. There were only 3 boxes left. I scanned the smallest box, which wasn’t very big. It was $27.50 (what?) down from $55.

To my surprise, it was 6 1/2 feet tall. That is way more tree than I need. But it was also pre-lit! How can I pass that up? Such a deal!

There was no exactly matching display model, but there was a 7 1/2 foot with the same name and it looked really nice. Needless to say…

This will be in our POR room for Christmas.

Overkill much?

Now, I’m going to have to hit Dollar Tree for a disposable skirt, garland, hooks, ball ornaments, and topper. I’ll keep all those in my car with the tree. (B has no idea.) When we pack up the car, I’ll be the last one out of the house, so I’ll have a list of which ornaments to quickly grab - including those Chip & Dale & Pluto plush keychains.

And I can use the tree for my store next year.

Only one thing concerned me. On the target site, there were multiple images of this tree. Most looked like the one I saw in the store:

Cool, right? But one image looks like this:

WTH?

And we will not have a ton of decorations. Hopefully it looks more like the former than the latter!

 

[93boomer]

I guess someone will get a kick out of this.

OK, we’re going to be at a WDW resort for Christmas, right?

Last time we were at a WDW resort even near Christmas was at Saratoga Springs years ago. There’s a trip report somewhere. We often go around 12/3 for Brian’s birthday, but I don’t like to mix B’s bday with Christmas, so I think it was later. I brought our “Charlie Brown Christmas tree” from home with a few ornaments and some other decorations.

This time, I thought I’d keep an eye out for a nicer little mini Christmas tree to bring to the room with some of our Kylie related ornaments and Disney ones. You know, maybe 2 feet, $10-$25 max.

I went to Target last night to grab some shredded chicken and a bag of raw cashews (they have the best deal on the cashews, way cheaper than Publix.) I popped over to the Christmas section, and there were a few small trees, but really kind of sad looking. I didn’t think they would even hold ornaments. I tried manipulating the wire branches to see if I could make them look better. I couldn’t.

They had nicer little ones, but they were $30-$40.

Then I saw a sign that trees were 50% off. The aisle was empty but for the display pieces zip-tied to the top shelves. Went around the corner and saw the big trees. There were only 3 boxes left. I scanned the smallest box, which wasn’t very big. It was $27.50 (what?) down from $55.

To my surprise, it was 6 1/2 feet tall. That is way more tree than I need. But it was also pre-lit! How can I pass that up? Such a deal!

There was no exactly matching display model, but there was a 7 1/2 foot with the same name and it looked really nice. Needless to say…

View attachment 827507

This will be in our POR room for Christmas.

Overkill much?

Now, I’m going to have to hit Dollar Tree for a disposable skirt, garland, hooks, ball ornaments, and topper. I’ll keep all those in my car with the tree. (B has no idea.) When we pack up the car, I’ll be the last one out of the house, so I’ll have a list of which ornaments to quickly grab - including those Chip & Dale & Pluto plush keychains.

And I can use the tree for my store next year.

Only one thing concerned me. On the target site, there were multiple images of this tree. Most looked like the one I saw in the store:

View attachment 827511

Cool, right? But one image looks like this:

View attachment 827512

WTH?

And we will not have a ton of decorations. Hopefully it looks more like the former than the latter!

Oh good deal! Hope the tree turns out to be the one you want! Ornaments can make any tree look good!

So sad we miss you! We are at POR for my birthday. We are there 6-14.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Oh good deal! Hope the tree turns out to be the one you want! Ornaments can make any tree look good!

So sad we miss you! We are at POR for my birthday. We are there 6-14.

Ack! Two days apart!

Get them ready for us at POR!

I forgot to check for canceled carriage rides today. Better get on that.

ETA: Every time I check, Buzz Lightyear leans over and gives me the finger.

 

[RememberWhen]

Please post pics of the finished tree! You and I shop target the same. <scan item> “whoa! That’s way less than I was expecting! Maybe we need two….”

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Please post pics of the finished tree! You and I shop target the same. <scan item> “whoa! That’s way less than I was expecting! Maybe we need two….”

We are smart shoppers!

 

[93boomer]

Any luck on the carriage ride yet?

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Any luck on the carriage ride yet?

Nope. Buzz is so rude.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Our only lawn decoration this year. I put it up a few days early. (Also from Target!)

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Just got lucky for Monday the 16th with the marketing crew! (Table for 5 - just randomly popped up.)

I know that’s a difficult to get reservation, and it was actually at the perfect time. I’ve heard the food is not so impressive, but had to do it once, and if it’s on someone else’s dime – that’s the perfect playground for me.

Now about that horse drawn carriage ride…

I expanded my search dates.

And Buzz is still flipping me off!

 

[93boomer]

Just got lucky for Monday the 16th with the market crew! (Table for 5 - just randomly popped up.)

View attachment 827931

I know that’s a difficult to get reservation, and it was actually at the perfect time. I’ve heard the food is not so impressive, but had to do it once, and if it’s on someone else’s dime – that’s the perfect playground for me.

Now about that horse drawn carriage ride…

I expanded my search dates.

View attachment 827933
And Buzz is still flipping me off!

Congrats on the Space 230 lunch! DD wanted to go and just have drinks since we’ve never been but no reservations.
Keep trying on the carriage ride. Buzz has to give up after awhile

 

[RememberWhen]

My DDs really enjoyed Space220. Granted, they’re 7 and 3, but I thought the food was okay and the drinks were fun and the service was good. The windows were a bit disappointing, but we’re going back this December (also at 3pm!!) with my sister and her fam. Should be a blast (off to space!!!)!

3pm is a great time because it’s still lunch ($55) and not dinner ($79)

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Citricos just popped up for Christmas Dinner at 8:40!

I grabbed it for now…not 100% certain. There’s something comfortable and homey for us about Jiko - but it’s something we do all the time. I’ll see what my gut says as we get closer.

We enjoyed dining at the new Citricos. And…it lends itself to my evening plans of a monorail bar crawl. It’s a little stuffy with the dress code, but that might be nice for Christmas, and we haven’t dressed up in a bit.

The timing is inconvenient for fireworks, we couldn’t leave in the middle of dinner to a viewing spot - but it would bookend our trip at the Grand Flo.

I like the idea overall.

I thought maybe whoever canceled their Citricos reservation also canceled their horse drawn carriage ride?

I checked. No dice.

I hope you all know I’m making more of a joke out of that than anything else. I don’t have my heart set on it, although it would be nice to finally pull that one off at this time!

 

[Tony the Tigger]

On my way home from a great Black Friday at work, I decided to say, “Hey, Siri, call Walt Disney World.”

There was no wait time. I answered a question or two, and was speaking with a live agent. I realized I had been so busy, wondering whether we should try the Winterland Summerland miniature golf course as a walk up or with a reservation, that I forgot to wonder if there were even any spaces available. Considering the situation with the horse and carriage rides, it’s very understandable that they might be all booked up for Christmas day.

The CM was friendly and fairly knowledgeable at least on that subject. I had to choose between the winter side and the summer side, and the winter side was more Santa. So I picked winter. It turned out there were only two slots left, one around 1:30 PM and one at 3 PM. Given our noon reservation at Topolino’s and our 8:30 PM reservation at Citricos, I thought the 3 PM was perfect and allowed a lot of leeway for napping or shopping or whatever. B-b-b-booked it!

And 20 bucks per person? No problem. You can cancel as late as 24 hours before, so we will know if it’s going to be freezing out. And we will have plenty of time to cancel in advance if we’d rather stay indoors.

Another new thing to do at WDW! Lots this time around. I may even take a motion sickness pill and go on Guardians this year!

Of course, I had to go for it, and she politely obliged and checked both the carriage ride at POR and the “sleigh” ride at the campground. Since these only run after 5pm (missed opportunity IMO) that’s really a longshot. She said people definitely do cancel. I’ll check now and then, not every day. And I will leave word when I check in, in case they get a cancellation. But really the only time we would have to do it would be between five and seven-ish on Christmas Day. I’ve booked up every other moment! Not really, but I’ve booked up enough moments that it wouldn’t fit anywhere else.

In the meantime: another reservation accomplished, another decision made, another day closer to two fabulous trips!

 

[93boomer]

On my way home from a great Black Friday at work, I decided to say, “Hey, Siri, call Walt Disney World.”

There was no wait time. I answered a question or two, and was speaking with a live agent. I realized I had been so busy, wondering whether we should try the Winterland Summerland miniature golf course as a walk up or with a reservation, that I forgot to wonder if there were even any spaces available. Considering the situation with the horse and carriage rides, it’s very understandable that they might be all booked up for Christmas day.

The CM was friendly and fairly knowledgeable at least on that subject. I had to choose between the winter side and the summer side, and the winter side was more Santa. So I picked winter. It turned out there were only two slots left, one around 1:30 PM and one at 3 PM. Given our noon reservation at Topolino’s and our 8:30 PM reservation at Citricos, I thought the 3 PM was perfect and allowed a lot of leeway for napping or shopping or whatever. B-b-b-booked it!

And 20 bucks per person? No problem. You can cancel as late as 24 hours before, so we will know if it’s going to be freezing out. And we will have plenty of time to cancel in advance if we’d rather stay indoors.

Another new thing to do at WDW! Lots this time around. I may even take a motion sickness pill and go on Guardians this year!

Of course, I had to go for it, and she politely obliged and checked both the carriage ride at POR and the “sleigh” ride at the campground. Since these only run after 5pm (missed opportunity IMO) that’s really a longshot. She said people definitely do cancel. I’ll check now and then, not every day. And I will leave word when I check in, in case they get a cancellation. But really the only time we would have to do it would be between five and seven-ish on Christmas Day. I’ve booked up every other moment! Not really, but I’ve booked up enough moments that it wouldn’t fit anywhere else.

In the meantime: another reservation accomplished, another decision made, another day closer to two fabulous trips!

Yayyy. Good job you!
I made a couple of LLane choices yesterday for the two days without our DD and SIL. She got up at 7 this morning to do all the rest of the week’s LL choices for us. She also made all our dinner reservations. I have the bestest daughter!
You two are going to have the best trip!!